New York @ Detroit
Current Records: New York 24-25; Detroit 14-34
The New York Knicks might have tired legs after a game yesterday as they head on the road against the Detroit Pistons at 8 p.m. ET April 3 at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit will be strutting in after a win while the Knicks will be stumbling in from a defeat.
The matchup between New York and the Dallas Mavericks on Friday was not a total blowout, but with New York falling 99-86 at home, it was darn close to turning into one. Shooting guard R.J. Barrett wasn't much of a difference maker for New York; Barrett finished with only eight points on 3-for-11 shooting in his 30 minutes on the court.
Meanwhile, everything went Detroit's way against the Washington Wizards on Thursday as they made off with a 120-91 victory. The contest was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 63-44. Among those leading the charge for the Pistons was shooting guard Josh Jackson, who had 31 points. Jackson's performance made up for a slower game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Jackson's points were the most he has had all year.
Barring any buzzer beaters, the Knicks are expected to win a tight contest Saturday. They have been consistent moneymakers against the spread when favored (12-6), so they might be worth a quick bet.
New York is now 24-25 while the Pistons sit at 14-34. A couple stats to keep an eye on: New York have been holding their opponents to a field goal percentage of 44.30%, which places them first in the league. Less enviably, Detroit has only been able to knock down 44.50% percent of their shots, which is the fourth lowest field goal percentage in the league.
The Knicks are a slight 2.5-point favorite against the Pistons, according to the latest NBA odds.
The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 2.5-point spread, and stayed right there.
Over/Under: -110
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Detroit have won 11 out of their last 19 games against New York.
